B. Michelle Nowling has a lifelong love of learning and history which she concentrated into a love of museums. After gaining degrees in History and Museum Studies, and having dabbled in all aspects of museum life, she has a deep appreciation for the creativity and diversity she has found among the staff at the Ravalli County Museum. Raised in Phillipsburg, MT, Michelle has lived all over the country following education and career opportunities, she is excited to have come full circle, back home to Montana.
“I believe in the power of museums to bring communities together to learn, discover their heritage and embrace new ideas. Even if you’ve visited a dozen times before, there is always something new to discover!”
Paula Frickey does all phases of accounting for the Museum. When she’s not knee deep in financial documents and number crunching, Paula volunteers her time doing other Museum tasks.
“I love being part of a team of incredibly talented staff and volunteers, the great community activities and events, and helping with the creation of such fascinating exhibits! It’s the experience of doing something worthwhile. Every day at the Museum is exciting!”
Along with keeping everything clean and in good working order, Sandy Seik takes care of many behind the scenes tasks such as the installation of exhibits, event set up and helping fabricate interpretive pieces and signage.
There’s never a task that Sandy is unwilling to jump in and do. His joyful nature and peaceful attitude adds to the value of our cohesive working environment.
Heidi Gordon handles Operations and Administrative duties. Having returned to Ravalli County, Heidi came to volunteer just at the time our IT manager was retiring!! Heidi has taken on IT, Databases and several duties.
Heidi is proud to be a veteran and served our country overseas and stateside. She is also an accomplished glass blower creating delicate designs that she frequently gifts staff with. Heidi pitches in where ever needed.
Dan Hirst comes from Experience Works, a Federal program. Dan is working in the museums archives to modify and advance the database. You can also see him working around the museum at events, working in fabrication and also helping with maintenance.
“Working at the museum is a unique experience I could only enjoy by understanding the past (our history) to help me understand the Present and hopefully, to help guide me into the Future without the hurdles and hardships our Forefathers had to confront and weather.”
Judy Giggar comes from Easter Seals work experience program and is placed at the front desk, cheerfully welcoming guests and providing assistance with any needs our patrons may have. Working to support other departments within the museum, she also completes miscellaneous projects and is looking forward to helping at the Farmers Market booth!
Nancy Joy Valk provides engaging learning adventures year-round for children of all ages. She plans and facilitates educational S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art, math) based activities which encourage critical thinking, creative processes, and problem solving techniques. She maintains the children’s exhibit room, complete with interactive displays and a maker space. Additionally, she provides educational outreach to local schools through museum tours and with cultural and historical materials contained within our educational trunks.
“I delight in researching and writing comprehensive lesson plans for imaginative skill building activities. I thrive in the positive and supportive museum environment where all my creative needs are met, and I am able to gather a myriad of supplies to provide endless hours of incredible activities. I have embraced the tenets of the four C’s ~ Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking as I actively apply them to each teaching and learning opportunity.”